And, the Aztec Achievement Award Goes to... Dean Steven Hooker
SDSUs Associated Students presented its 2021 Presidential Leadership Aztec Achievement Award to CHHS dean for his support to students during the pandemic.
The Associated Students Award Committee surprised Steven Hooker, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services with the 2021 Aztec Achievement Award for Presidential Leadership when the handsome and heavy red and black glass statue mysteriously arrived in his office on Feb. 25.
The Aztec Achievement Award is an annual celebration recognizing excellence in exceptional contributions students, faculty, staff, campus leadership and community members have made to SDSU.
“I am deeply grateful to the Associated Students and, in particular–2021 A.S. President Christian Holt, for this prestigious award. The statue is proudly situated on my desk for all to see,” said the dean.
Hooker received the award for his leadership in the reopening of Exercise and Nutritional Science courses, including a popular surfing class, and for the dean’s “tremendous support of the Adapted Athletics program on campus and its transition to A.S,” Holt said in a congratulatory letter.
“Your tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed as you are now part of an elite group who have received this award,” Holt said in his announcement.
Hooker explained his concern for the well-being of SDSU’s students motivated him to push to reopen certain courses during the peak of the pandemic.
“We felt it was important to offer the outdoor activity courses at the Aquatics Center to provide students with an escape from social isolation during a difficult year and to provide opportunities for some safe fun,” said Hooker.
Hooker also said that transitioning the Adapted Athletics program to the Associated Students would also offer more opportunities to student-athletes.
“The Adapted Athletics program is a crown jewel for SDSU, and it was proudly birthed in the College of Health and Human Services. But, for it to reach its full potential — the program’s proper home is within A.S. where the program’s director and the student-athletes can receive the resources and support they need to thrive” said Hooker.
2022 A.S. President Ashely Tejada presented the Presidential Leadership Award and praised Hooker’s leadership during the pandemic. “Congratulations again and thank you for all you have done to better the SDSU community,” she said.
A.S. is the official student voice of San Diego State University. The independent student-directed organization provides a wide range of services and programs for SDSU students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and the public. The A.S. at SDSU is run by five elected student executive officers and the student Board of Directors. It employs 100 full-time employees and over 1,200 part-time employees.
